President George Manneh Weah has announced more commitments to the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), saying his government will take tangible measures to make their lives easier and better.
In special remarks at the 62nd Armed Forces Day Celebration at the Ministry of National Defense Monday, 11 February in Monrovia, President Weah instructed the Ministry of Defense to commence an immediate evaluation of all military barracks around the country and begin urgent repair and renovation of damaged housing units.
At the event graced by former President Ellen Johnson – Sirleaf, current and past officials and foreign guests, President Weah remarked that one of the hallmarks of civilized nations is their role to support and respect those who fight in defense of their country, including their families.
He expresses confidence that when renovations and repairs are completed at these military barracks, the problem of congestion at military facilities will be finally eliminated.
President Weah indicates that the men and women that are trained to defend and protect Liberia “should not dwell in congested and low standard housing facilities.”
“Our government will take tangible measures to make their lives easier and better,” President Weah promises the army.
According to him, the theme for this year’s Armed Forces Day celebration – “Building a Force for Good Through Service and Welfare” is designed to highlight the fact that the services and sacrifices made by the men and women in uniform fundamentally exceed the care and benefits they receive from government.
President Weah assures the army the government under his watch, is committed to upholding the welfare of the men and women who continue to put their lives on the line to keep the citizenry safe.
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He believes that “we” cannot have a well – respected military if they are not assured of their welfare, saying as their Commander – in – Chief, he is obligated to cater to their wellbeing at all times.
He notes that in keeping with his first Armed Forces Day message in 2018 to build a military hospital, the facility is now at roofing level and is expected to be completed by the middle of 2020.
President Weah says the army’s welfare remains a primary concern of the administration, saying the men and women in arms should not have to pay for their own welfare.
He also recognizes that military families are Liberia’s unsung heroes, calling for a keen attention to be paid to them by the nation.
President Weah emphasized the need to ensure that families of military personnel are provided with basic necessities saying because when they are stressed, it impacts negatively on the overall readiness of the soldiers.
To tackle this problem, President Weah says his administration will strive to create a secured environment and awareness program for the military families and provide them with the quality of life.
During the celebration, Defense Minister Daniel Ziankahn reported that the military is stable, adding that the men and women in arms are even vigilant and remain a force for good.
Minister Ziankahn boasts that the military has gained its rightful place in society, stating that the soldiers here are well – trained, respected, trustworthy and represent the hope and aspiration of the Liberian people.
According to Minister Ziankahn, with the help of international partners, the army has experienced remarkable changes, saying the men and women in arms are the most trained, disciplined and combat – ready force that Liberia can boast of.
While applauding President Weah, Minister Ziankahn also appreciates former Ellen Johnson – Sirleaf and his predecessor Brownie Samukai and international partners for their contributions that brought the changes in the army.
He cites the peacekeeping efforts that the Liberian army is part of in Mali, saying the Liberian troops in Mali are serving with honor and distinction.
The Guest Speaker at the event, retired Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia, Cllr. Philip A.Z. Banks called for an army that serves humanity, not in armed combat.
